Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan is a sophisticated and complex cocktail that offers a deeper, more herbaceous flavor profile than the traditional Manhattan. By substituting sweet vermouth with an Italian amaro, typically Averna, the drink gains layers of bittersweet orange, licorice, and herbal notes. It's a perfect choice for whiskey lovers looking to explore a modern variation of a timeless classic. The result is a robust, warming, and incredibly flavorful sipping cocktail.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Black Manhattan is a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the category of stirred, spirit-forward drinks, similar to its predecessor, the classic Manhattan. It is often served as an aperitif or a digestif due to its bittersweet character.
Serving
This is a spirit-forward drink served cold and "up" (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. The alcohol content is relatively high, making it a strong sipping cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 3-4 oz / 90-120 ml
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This modern classic was created in 2005 by bartender Todd Smith at the San Francisco bar Bourbon & Branch. Seeking to create a variation on the Manhattan, he replaced the standard sweet vermouth with the Sicilian liqueur Amaro Averna. The swap resulted in a darker, richer, and more complex drink that quickly gained popularity in the craft cocktail scene and is now a staple on many cocktail menus.
Origin
United States, San Francisco, 2005.
Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan is primarily known by its original name. Sometimes it is referred to as an Averna Manhattan, which specifies the amaro traditionally used in the recipe. This highlights the key ingredient that distinguishes it from a classic Manhattan.
Original name
Black Manhattan
Alternative name
Averna Manhattan
Characteristics overview
The Black Manhattan presents a rich, bittersweet flavor profile with herbal and spicy notes, complemented by a smooth, silky texture. Its aroma is a complex blend of whiskey and botanicals, making it a perfect warming drink for cooler evenings.
Flavor
Bittersweet, herbal, rich, spicy, complex, dark fruit, caramel, licorice
Aroma
Whiskey spice, orange peel, dark herbs, cola
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Long, warming, bittersweet, herbal
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Deep amber, dark brown, mahogany, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, rich
Seasonality
Warming, year-round, autumn, winter
Flavor intensity & Experience
This is a strong, spirit-forward cocktail where the bitterness of the amaro and the spice of the rye whiskey dominate. It has a moderate sweetness to balance the complex, intense flavors.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The Black Manhattan requires just four key ingredients: a base of rye whiskey, Amaro Averna as the modifier, and a dash each of Angostura and orange bitters.
- Rye Whiskey2 oz / 60 mlA high-proof rye provides a spicy backbone that stands up to the amaro. Bourbon can also be used for a slightly sweeter profile.
- Amaro Averna1 oz / 30 mlAverna is the classic choice, providing notes of orange, licorice, and caramel. Other dark amari can be substituted.
- Angostura Bitters1 dashAdds aromatic spice and complexity, helping to bind the flavors together.
- Orange Bitters1 dashBrightens the drink and complements the orange notes in the Averna.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need standard bar tools for a stirred cocktail, including a mixing glass, a bar spoon for stirring with ice, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer.
- Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients.
- Bar spoon for stirring.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
- Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) to hold back ice when pouring.
Instructions
To prepare, all ingredients are added to a mixing glass with ice and stirred until well-chilled. The mixture is then strained into a chilled coupe glass and garnished with a cherry.
1. Chill your serving glass (a coupe or Nick & Nora) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Combine the rye whiskey, Amaro Averna, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with ice cubes.
4. Stir with a bar spoon briskly for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the glass is well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your serving glass.
6. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Garnishing
The standard garnish is a single high-quality brandied or Luxardo Maraschino cherry, which adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. An expressed orange peel is also a common alternative or addition.
- Brandied cherry, placed in the bottom of the glass or on a cocktail pick.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is typically vegan and free from dairy, eggs, and caffeine. However, it is not gluten-free due to the whiskey base, which is made from gluten-containing grains.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a moderately caloric cocktail, primarily from the alcohol and the sugar content in the amaro. It contains around 220 calories and 10 grams of sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 200-240 kcal / 837-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 8-12 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Black Manhattan is an excellent choice for a sophisticated cocktail hour or as a contemplative nightcap. Its rich and complex character also makes it a superb after-dinner digestif, perfectly suited for formal gatherings or quiet evenings.
- Cocktail Hour
- After-dinner Drink
- Sophisticated Gatherings
- Nightcap
Pairing suggestions
The Black Manhattan pairs well with rich and savory flavors. Consider serving it alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats and aged cheeses. Its complex character also complements dark chocolate or smoked nuts beautifully.
- Charcuterie board
- Aged cheeses
- Dark chocolate
- Smoked nuts
The Black Manhattan: A Darker, Bolder Classic
The Black Manhattan is a testament to modern cocktail innovation, transforming a beloved classic into something new yet familiar. By swapping one ingredient—sweet vermouth for amaro—it opens up a world of bittersweet, herbal complexity. It's a bold, spirit-forward drink that maintains the elegant structure of the original while offering a darker, more mysterious flavor journey. Ideal for connoisseurs and adventurous drinkers alike, the Black Manhattan has rightfully earned its place as a modern classic.
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